This is a discussion on Just walk away, Flint, walk away..... Major fin rot problem on a fancy goldfish. within the Tropical Fish Diseases forums, part of the Freshwater Fish and Aquariums category; -->
Well, I am almost positive I am setting my 75 up as a goldfish tank at this point. I am taking another break from ...

Well, I am almost positive I am setting my 75 up as a goldfish tank at this point. I am taking another break from scraping silicone out of it and decided to get on CL and see what is new in the pet section. Well, there was a fish. This isn't common on my town's CL so I clicked the link to investigate. It is a small Ryukin with such bad fin rot, I fear for it's life. Of course I messaged the owner and agreed to pay the $10 for this fish and $5 a week thereafter while my tank is set up and cycled, completely taking over the responsibility of cleaning its 10 gallon tank. I must be crazy to go over to a strangers house and care for their fish let alone pay this much for a fish that may or may not live. I will be attempting a 2 week cycle on my 10 gallon starting most likely today so, since the fish is already in a 10 gallon, I may be able to bring it home and put it in mine if this cycle works.

This fish has almost no tail whatsoever. The rest of its fins are fine, however, which I find a bit odd. It probably has about 1/4th of the amount of tail it should have. The main rays are still in tact but they look severely burned. This is not something I would normally suggest, but, I have some surgical grade blades.. Is it possible that removing the tail completely will keep this fish alive?

If it comes down to removal, what should I use to prevent secondary infections from the open wound? I don't have any photos, I cracked the back of my phone and I don't own a camera so I can't help much there. I did a 95% WC with Prime while I was at the guys house because the tank was so nasty and cloudy you could hardly see the fish.

Due to the fact that this fish is still swimming and begging for food, I would prefer not to cull it. I think this little guy can pull through! At this rate, he may be the ONLY fish going in the 75! Wouldn't he like that!

ok well you're frightening me to begin with..you're going over
to a strangers house
why are you not just collecting it ??
sounds like ammonia burn too,the poor thing.

I bring a big male friend with me, don't worry!

I can't bring it home because my 10 gallon has three mollies in it and is cycling with TSS (just started today) and cannot be disturbed for two weeks. My 75 is being resealed, my 2.5 gallon has a betta and live plants and the only other tank I have is a 1 gallon bowl, no heater or filter. His current tank is not filtered or heated and will be getting 80% changes daily, do you think this is an option? I am not worried about WCs, I will do whatever is necessary for him. 100% daily on a 1 gallon isn't an issue. I could even do 150% a day if need be. The tank wouldn't go below 65F unheated.

I cannot find any information regarding amputation. I honestly don't think he will make it if he keeps his tail with how progressed the tail rot is. I need some major advice. Are there any MEGA strength medications I could try? What would I need as an antibiotic if I did have to remove it? Or is clean water better in this case?

Well first off, as you most likely know, the aquarium isn't large enough for a goldfish. Secondly,almost everyone is under the misconception that goldfish make good beginner fish they do not.
And the third point is why, Why take on a project like this?

Well first off, as you most likely know, the aquarium isn't large enough for a goldfish. Secondly,almost everyone is under the misconception that goldfish make good beginner fish they do not.
And the third point is why, Why take on a project like this?

R

As I stated before, if the little guy makes it through, he may be the only inhabitant of the 75 gallon I am resealing.

I am aware that this is why they have this fish. The tank is out in the garage (where it has been since it "got dirty" after about a month of them having it.)

I don't get to leave the house much due to ailments and I like to do what I can to help. I'd rather do what I can and have the fish die than it die of ammonia poisoning or worse. He has a fighting chance with me.

If it was me I would use a large plastic tub to QT, if you have filter and heater
Do very large daily water changes, if s/he is going to have a chance he'll need perfect water conditions, I never add salt but in this case I would probably do a .03% solution(1 Tablespoon per 10 gallons) Enrofloxacin can be found but it's hard best place is from the Petsmart vet. There are other more ez-er to get antibiotics Maracyn and Maracyn II, Kanacyn, Acriflavine.